Cory Sandhagen injected himself right back into the UFC bantamweight title conversation with a stunning second-round knockout of No. 1 contender Marlon Moraes on Saturday night.
The lanky 28-year-old bounced back from a one-sided loss to Aljamain Sterling in June as he put on a stellar striking display against one of the most devastating strikers in the division.
The fight headlined the fourth event during the UFC's second visit to Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.
Sandhagen-Moraes was expected to be a high-octane showdown that would put the winner in position to challenge Petr Yan or Sterling after their UFC bantamweight title showdown. Moraes had a claim to the opportunity considering he's the last man to defeat Sterling. But Sandhagen was determined to prevent the former WSOF bantamweight champion from getting that shot.
The first round made it clear what kind of fight viewers were in for; the high-volume strikers prodded each other with a variety of kicks and punches. But Sandhagen's 5-inch height and reach advantage made it difficult for Moraes to find a home for his thunderous strikes. Sandhagen kept the Brazilian on the outside and set up what was to come in the second round.
With Moraes still in search of an opening, Sandhagen feinted a left cross and launched a spinning heel kick that caught Moraes on the temple. The former title contender fell backward and rolled, only to find an incensed Sandhagen making the journey with him to the canvas. A few follow-up strikes later, Moraes was incapable of defending himself. The referee identified Moraes as defenseless and called a halt to the bout at 1:03 of the round.
Sandhagen will certainly climb from his current ranking at No. 4 after arguably the biggest victory of his career to date. He'll likely need to compete again before getting a shot at the championship. With the No. 2-ranked Sterling locked in for a title fight and the No. 3-ranked Cody Garbrandt nursing an injury, "The Sandman" could face No. 5-ranked Frankie Edgar or TJ Dillashaw, who is finishing a suspension. He can return on Jan. 18, 2021.